Today marks the second day of the hotel worker’s strike in Hawaii. The issues have caused guests to cancel or reschedule their dream vacation in the tropical paradise.
Thousands of hospitality employees have chosen to picket outside of luxury accommodations across the United States as Americans travel over the busy Labor Day weekend. The strikes came as a result of staff feeling overworked and underpaid.
Employees at Major Chains Are Striking
Thousands of employees across major chains like Marriott and Hyatt walked off the job in big cities like Boston, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and Honolulu.
Dozens of smaller hotel chains and independent businesses have joined in the strike to call for better working conditions and pay following the changes delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Unite Here Union
The Unite Here Union represents over 40,000 workers across the US and has been locked in negotiation talks with hotel chains like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Omni.
The union said that the workers are seeking higher wages, fairer workloads, and the reversal of pandemic-era job cuts. Some workers must take second jobs to just to make rent in high-priced cities where their jobs are based. Even with record high travel rates and hotels being booked out, Unite Here claims that workers are receiving no extra pay or benefits.
Less Workers With More Customers
Elena Durna, a server at Marriott’s Palace Hotel in San Francisco for the past 33 years, said, “Since COVID, they’re expecting us to give five-star service with three-star staff.”
She added, “A couple weeks ago, we were at 98% occupancy, but they only put three servers when we used to be a team of four or five. It’s too much pressure on us to go faster and faster instead of calling in more people to work.”
How Long Will the Strike Last?
The strikes are currently scheduled to last around three days at each of the large hotel chains.
The union has noted that the strikes are meant to inconvenience travelers over the long weekend and is encouraging guests to find alternate accommodations wherever the strikes are taking place.
Vacationers in Hawaii Are Upset
Unfortunately, the strikes have taken a toll on vacation in Honolulu, Hawaii, as guests on the island have very few choices for alternate accommodations, especially as many have pre-booked and pre-paid for hotel rooms.
“Nobody’s working. We’re not getting our rooms, our bathrooms cleaned,” stated Abid Chaudhry, a guest at the Moana Surfrider. “It’s just horrible. It’s not a not a very pleasant vacation.”
The Experience is Draining
Many guests were visibly upset during the staffing shortages on the first day of their Labor Day weekend vacation when they had several hours of delays during check-in.
“We support them for what they’re trying to achieve but we’re having to get our own towels and make our own beds,” said Lauren Armstrong, a guest staying at the Sheraton Waikiki.
Hyatt Speaks Out
Hyatt execs sent out a statement during the strike: “Hyatt hotels have contingency plans in place to minimize impact on hotel operations related to strike activity.”
However, unhappy guests struggling to enjoy their vacation amid the chaos tell a different story of the chain stepping in to meet demands.
Statement from Hilton
A Hilton spokesperson reached out to local news outlets in Hawaii to explain the situation.
“We respect the union and Team Members’ right to express their points of view, and we remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair and reasonable agreement that is beneficial to both our valued Team Members and to our hotel.”
Guests Are Supportive of the Strike
Rashawn Thompson, a Hyatt guest, said, “For the price these rooms are, I’m quite sure the owner can afford to pay them a little bit more money, a living wage, because it’s expensive here.”
In Hawaii in particular, locals often have the hardest time affording housing amid a massive rental and vacation market.
Cost of Living in Hawaii Is Outrageous
A 2024 study by Paycale.com shows that the cost of Living in Honolulu is 88% higher than the national average, with housing costing a whopping 202% more than the national average.
The prices are due in a major part to the heavy tourism industry and massive amount of rentals driving up the cost of rent and homes for regular Hawaiians and locals. To survive, many people are forced to work multiple jobs that do not adjust the pay according to the cost of living.
Strikes Are Likely to End Soon
Aside from large hotel chains negotiating with Unite Here, the strikes are only planned to last three days.
If workers do not feel that the companies are willing to accommodate their needs, more strikes are likely to occur.
